President Mudbrick

I guess I'm back. In the hole for bills 81.5 mil, but back none the less. Nation ID: http://www.cybernations.net/nation_drill_display.asp?Nation_ID=489442 -President Mudbrick

I'm way late to the party on this thread, but I figure it needed to be said: this isn't the first time for this sort of invasion of privacy. They've been doing this exact sort of thing for years, and it's been brought to the attention of US citizens before. Unfortunately, the uproar lasts for a handful of days, until the next headlines push it out of the limelight, and then the American people shrug and say "well, time to shake our fist at the next thing, I suppose." The problem seems to be that Americans (I'm one of those, and point my finger at myself as well) get really complacent with our own small slice of life. House with the picket fence, big television, car in the drive, decent job, enough disposable income to keep up with a hobby, and we're less likely to throw away those small comforts to effect the status quo. I believe the general consensus is that "well, it doesn't really effect me personally, so why worry about it?" Besides, what fills the power vacuum when you run off the guy with the big stick who's been telling you how it's going to be: another guy with a different stick. I feel, at least in this case, that I don't really care what the NSA has a look at. I know it's as much a cliche as any other, but I'm not sure why one should worry if one has nothing to hide. People claim it's just another blow against our civil liberties, but my life hasn't changed for better or worse since all this started 12 years ago when the towers fell.

Master Blaster. Or...wait....did he run bartertown? I always mix up the two.

Capo, this is just my two cents here, and mostly just rehashing what's already been said: slow down. Way down. I can understand that you feel ready to settle down, and want someone special to do that with. You want to feel what you felt with the woman you tragically lost. I don't think that's desperation, but getting too serious too quickly smells like desperation to a lot of woman. As well, if you're dating within your age group, you're going to find a lot of women who just aren't ready to settle down. Put the candlelight dinners and poetry away for bit, until you meet someone and become exclusive for awhile. I'm not saying you should just hop from bed to bed and broad to broad, but keep the dating light and just try to enjoy your life. I'm going to give you a dose of tough love here, because you're a fellow IRON member and I'm betting you can take it: be careful not to fall in love with the idea of love and create situations in your head that don't transcribe in reality. Hopeless romantics tend to do that, and it'll end in a lot of heartache. All in all, wish you the best, and I'm sure you'll find someone worth your time.

I had planned on simply making one for myself using already existing graphics, but then the marketing-exec portion of my brain kicked into overdrive. However, I don't want to reap any benefits that could go to funding IRON.

I'm with you here. I have a younger brother, who despite being a highly educated man and a noted biologist, still can't have a conversation with me without engaging what amounts to a one-side sibling rivalry that I've never really been privy to. How do I relax after dealing with that? I remember that the actual meaning to the adage "blood is thicker than water" is helpful, and Scotch-Therapy.

Years ago, I had a room-mate that was a real mooch. He paid his half of the bills on time, but never seemed to have his own food, detergent, toiletries, etc. When I commented on how those expenses should probably be split too, he agreed, then promptly "forgot" to toss me any money. I'd politely encourage him to purchase his own items when he'd use the last of mine, and the longer he lived with me, the angrier he'd get about the conversation (despite being the reason we had to have it in the first place). Eventually, I gave him notice and told him he had to go. A couple of years later, we became friends again, putting that behind us. He was living with another mutual friend at the time, and over a few beers, he was telling me about what a "pain in the ass" his room-mate was. He then recounted (and this is a quote here): "Doesn't matter. When he pisses me off too much, I run the bristles on his toothbrush over my brown-eye a few times. It's always been my go-to revenge." He didn't realize what he was saying, and I didn't either until I sobered up the next morning and went to brush my teeth. I felt ill for days.

I couldn't find a thread where this is mentioned, but I'm curious as to why there's no IRON merchandise? With all the print-on-demand T Shirt companies out there, why hasn't someone thrown the IRON flag on one and sold it to us? I want one. I'd do it, but I don't want to cross any lines as to who holds graphic rights, etc. The money gained from the shirts could be used for the good of IRON, or hell, given to a charity. Various IRON merchandise could be given away in contests for IRON members. The possibilities are nigh-endless. Anyone?

As a Texas native, Houston is alright, but to find any worthwhile activites afterwards usually requires someone in the know. San Antonio is somewhat the same, and while both places have some nightlife, Austin is your best bet of the three. If you're going anywhere in Texas, Austin would be my pick, as it also affords people a chance to experience the atmosphere of the place. Killing two birds with one stone, as it were. New Orleans or Vegas both would be rad choices, but I haven't been to N'awlins but once after the storm. There were several places we used to "adventure" to that various bartenders were telling us are no virtual no-goes, as the criminal element has grown pretty serious. Around Mardi Gras time, the city puts on a good face, but I was a little nervous outside of that week. Vegas is great (made my last trip last February before last for my honeymoon), but a little tough on the pocketbook. Regardless, I think this is a great idea. I'd like to shake some hands, buy some drinks, and put faces to names and names to faces.

(Please understand that all data was collected from citizens of the Nation of Arlandia, who obviously were terrified of insulting their "Grand Leader President Hoseknee Mudbrick, so the information provide below cannot be verified and all information herein is to be considered non-factual and provided under duress) Nation Capital: Mudbrickiswonderfulistan Eternal President: The Supreme, Righteous, Powerful, Handsome, Terrific-dancing, Gracious President, Hoseknee Mudbrick Government Type: Mudbrickorship Religion: Our great leader made the sun and the moon. National Anthem: O', President Mudbrick, We Adore You, We Love you, We Think You're Swell Total Citizens: BIllions. Literally, Billions, because people love President Mudbrick and would never leave or even think of tunneling out andwillmeetyouatthedocksatseventhirtypleasehaveaboatforrefugeesready. We all love it here! Military: Army: 10000000000000000 Highly trained soldiers. We've never seen them, but we're told they're there. 10000000000000000 Giant war mech robots piloted by trained dogs and children 1000000000000 Hostile Legumes 10000000000 Slight Angry ill-tempered badgers with really pointy sticks Millions of tons of Yellow Cake Weapons Grade Uranium, but um, we just use that for um...for...uh...surprise birthday parties? Yeah. Suprise parties. That's it. And no, we can't have your inspectors over because...well...it would ruin the suprise! Yeah. That sounds right, doesn't it? Plus, we have, like, a bazillion top secret super jets that can fly to outer space and back in seconds, and, uhhh, these tanks that can, uh, shoot invisible lasers that can blow up a star. Also, Mudbrick has killed millions of enemies just by smirking at them. So...look-out! Holidays: Everyday is "Thank you President Mudbrick" day, except for Sunday, which is "You're welcome for the awesomeness from President Mudbrick day." (World fact book organizers have issued a travel advisory for Arlzandia, as so far no tourists to the country have ever left. this is reflected in the countries tourism advertisements: "Come to Arzlandia. You'll love it so much you'll never ever ever leave. Ever.")